Extended Trailer
Preview: 6/29/2026 | 2m 48sVideo has Closed Captions
Uncover the stories of Black Americans who fought to define democracy during the Revolution.
In 1776, the Founders’ promise of “all men are created equal” remained distant for many. Trace the heroic stories of the enslaved and freed Black Americans who fought to define democracy and their liberty through the Revolutionary War.
Problems playing video? | Closed Captioning Feedback
Problems playing video? | Closed Captioning Feedback
Extended Trailer
Preview: 6/29/2026 | 2m 48sVideo has Closed Captions
In 1776, the Founders’ promise of “all men are created equal” remained distant for many. Trace the heroic stories of the enslaved and freed Black Americans who fought to define democracy and their liberty through the Revolutionary War.
Problems playing video? | Closed Captioning Feedback
Where to Watch Declarations: Black Americans and the Revolutionary War
Declarations: Black Americans and the Revolutionary War is available to stream on pbs.org and the PBS app.
Q&A with the Filmmakers
Learn how the filmmakers used AI tools to supplement historical depictions in "Declarations: Black Americans and the Revolutionary War."(bright music) >>We hold these truths to be self-evident.
>>The declaration has universal application.
Certain rights.
Life, liberty, the pursuit of happiness are natural rights They can't can't be denied any more than gravity can be denied.
(trumpet tooting) >>All men are created equal.
>>Those words resonate.
When you hear them there's no mention of ethnicity, there's no mention of race, there's no mention of who it applies to and who it doesn't.
There were a number of people who heard and understood the words and lay claim to those words.
>>When the Declaration of Independence is authored, Black people fought for their inclusion in the country.
>>There were Blacks fighting on both sides.
>>They were fighting for the same thing.
To obtain freedom.
That freedom was worth risking a lot.
One of the many amazing stories was Harry Washington.
His owner was George Washington.
>>Harry Washington escapes.
He ends up at least assisting the fight on the British side all throughout the war.
>>James Lafayette was born into enslavement and he becomes a spy for the marquee.
>>Abraham Peyton Skipwith is a man who is enslaved but applies for his legislative petition, for his freedom.
And he obtained his freedom.
There are so many founding fathers and mothers that are being overlooked.
>>Mumbet knows in her bones that she is a free person, but she is hearing these men craft these words that you know they are not including you in.
>>Black people throughout history have shown that they can still imbue meaning in those words, even if the author of those words didn't actually mean that.
>>We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.
That they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights.
That among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
(gunfire booming) >>The Declaration of Independence is about the necessity of overthrowing tyrannical government.
And since tyranny is always a possibility in human affairs, its message endures.
(upbeat bass music) (screen whooshing)
Video has Closed Captions
Uncover the stories of Black Americans who fought to define democracy during the Revolution. (30s)
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